Wilderness Cove
Welcome to Wilderness Cove Campground, your gateway to outdoor adventure and relaxation amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains in the heart of Saluda, North Carolina. Perfectly situated along the scenic Green River, our campground is a top destination for tubing, RV camping, tent camping, and glamping in Western NC.
During the summer, cool off with a refreshing tubing trip down the Green River — one of the most scenic and family-friendly float experiences in the Southeast. Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a family vacation, or a group or corporate retreat, Wilderness Cove offers a peaceful, adventure-filled setting with stunning views, modern amenities, and access to hiking, fishing, paddling, and more.
Interested in visiting before your stay or taking a tour of the campground? Please email us in advance or check in at our office upon arrival.
Join us at Wilderness Cove for an unforgettable camping and tubing experience in Saluda, NC — where nature, comfort and adventure come together.
Wilderness Cove Ways to Stay
Our Saluda, North Carolina retreat offers a diverse range of comfortable accommodations to suit every preference and style. From luxurious glamping setups that blend comfort with nature to fully equipped RV sites, we have the perfect retreat for you.
Experiences
Guided Flyfishing
We’ve partnered with local experts to provide you with the experience of a lifetime! Enjoy lessons, half-day and full-day wade trips and float trips for beginner, intermediate and advanced fly-fishers.
PLEASE CONTACT US IN ADVANCE TO SCHEDULE!
Mini Cats
Want to have a little luxury with your fun in the sun? Cool off with fun and adventure on a hot Summer day in a Mini Cat! Float length is ~3.0 hours from Wilderness Cove to Big Rock. Advance reservations recommended. Book online in advance for our best rates! *Note: 2026 Tubing Season kicks off Friday, May 22!*
Inflatable Kayaks
Prefer a more comfortable ride? Enjoy the thrill of the Green River in an inflatable kayak! Float length is ~2.5 hours from Wilderness Cove to Big Rock. Advance reservations recommended. Book online in advance for our best rates! *Note: 2026 Tubing Season kicks off Friday, May 22!*
Campstore & Flyshop
Hours of Operation
7 Days a Week: 9AM – 6PM
We carry flyfishing inventory from Scientific Anglers, Fulling Mill and Oros. Get everything you need right here then step into the Green River, which is stocked with trout directly from our beach!
Overlanding
Experience the freedom of Overlanding at Wilderness Cove—where rugged backcountry exploration meets creekside camping in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Green River Gamelands
Enjoy some of the best hiking, fishing, mountain biking and hunting lands in the country directly from Wilderness Cove. With direct access to the Green River and the Green River Gamelands, you can begin your adventure directly from your campsite!
Word On The Trail
Local Adventures
Wilderness Cove
Frequently asked questions
What Are The Road Conditions To The Campground?
- Wilderness Cove has been greatly affected by Hurricane Helene and the Black Cove Wildfires. The switchbacks from I-26 (Saluda exit) are not currently open. The only way to access Wilderness Cove is from the Mill Spring area.
- Set your GPS to “Silver Creek Baptist Church” (4391 Silver Creek Rd, Mill Spring, NC 28756). Once at the church, turn left onto Green River Cove Rd and continue about 6.5 miles. You may see “Primitive Road” and “Road Closed to Thru Traffic” signs—keep going. These signs indicate that the switchbacks at the end of the road are no longer accessible.
- At the second large bridge, you’ll see Wilderness Cove on the left.
- If traveling Green River Cove Rd after dark, please use caution. We are located in the Gamelands and wildlife are active.
What Should We Do When We Arrive At The Campground?
- All guests and visitors must check-in at the main office upon arrival, and all guests must agree to and sign a copy of our terms & conditions. E-signature is encouraged in advance of arrival for a speedier check-in.
- If you are arriving after 5pm, please call ahead to receive your late arrival check-in instructions.
What Time Is Check-In?
- Check-in is at 3pm. Early check-ins cannot be guaranteed. Please contact us in advance to see if an early check-in may be available to you. If so, an early check-in fee of $10 per hour will apply.
- If you are arriving after 5pm, please call or email in advance to receive your late arrival check-in instructions.
What Time Is Check-Out?
- Please check-out no later than 11am.
- If you leave after check-out time, your account is subject to a late check-out fee of $30. If you do not vacate the premises by noon on your check-out day, we will charge your account for an additional night’s stay, and you may incur additional liability.
What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
- Please click HERE to view our cancellation policy.
Do You Have Quiet Hours?
- Yes, quiet hours are from 10:00pm – 8:00am.
Can Friends Visit Our Campsite?
- While occupancy limits strictly apply to the occupants specified at the time of booking, guests can request to add additional day and overnight visitors, pending availability and payment of additional fees. The following guidelines apply:
- Day visitors must leave the park by 10:00pm.
- Guests of the park are responsible for the behavior of their visitors, and all visitors must adhere to the Campground rules at all times.
- Visitors are required to park their vehicles in designated parking areas.
Do You Allow Pets?
- Yes, Wilderness Cove is pet-friendly and welcomes cats and dogs in both RV sites and certain lodging accommodations. A pet fee applies for lodging stays. Pets must be leashed when outside and cleaned up after. Please be sure your pet is current on their vaccinations.
Can We Have A Campfire At Our Site?
- Absolutely! Campfires are an essential part of the camping experience, offering a cozy ambiance for gathering, storytelling, and creating lasting memories. For safety reasons, it is imperative that campfires be contained within the designated fire ring at your site. In the event of a local fire ban due to weather conditions, we will inform campers of this temporary restriction. To make it convenient for our guests, we provide firewood for purchase at our camp store or office. Please refrain from bringing outside firewood onto the campground. Additionally, any damage to or removal of the fire ring from your site may result in a replacement fee.
Is There A Campstore?
- Yes! The campstore offers essentials, snacks, drinks, camping gear, water shoes, freezer treats, and a small fly shop. Firewood and ice can be delivered to your site at 6pm (call or text the office to be added to the list).
Are Linens And Towels Provided?
- Linens are provided in all lodging accommodations (including glamping tents)! Towels are provided only in the Green River Guest House and Mountainside Cottage.
What Should I Pack For My Stay?
- What you’ll want to pack depends on your site type—Primitive Camping, RV, Glamping, or Cottage. We’ve created a detailed Packing Guide with checklists for each accommodation, so you’ll know exactly what to bring (and what’s already provided). Download our Packing Guide for site-specific lists and tips. You’ll find essentials like flashlights, bug spray, and towels on every list (which we also sell in our campstore for your convenience), plus recommendations for cooking gear, clothing, and comfort items. The guide also highlights what’s included at your site (like linens, cookware, or fire pits) so you can pack light and enjoy your stay!
Where Is The Nearest Grocery Store or Food Options?
- The nearest grocery store is Food Lion in Columbus, NC, about 30 minutes away. Columbus also offers a variety of restaurants, stores, and gas stations. We recommend packing food and groceries for your stay, as delivery services (Instacart, Uber Eats, etc.) are not available in our area. Please plan ahead.
Do I Need A Fishing License To Fish In the Green River?
- Yes, you do need a valid North Carolina Inland Fishing License to fish in the Lower Green River near Wilderness Cove. This section of the river is managed under Delayed Harvest Trout Waters regulations, which are part of the state’s Public Mountain Trout Waters program. Anglers age 16 and older must have a valid license whether fishing from shore, wading, or using a boat. North Carolina Fishing Licenses can be purchased online here.
I'm Somewhat New To Camping...
- No worries – everyone starts somewhere, and we’re here to make your camping experience easy and fun! Check out our Camping 101 guide to learn everything from campfire safety and food storage to hiking basics and campsite etiquette, so you’ll feel confident from the moment you arrive. If you have any questions or need a little extra guidance, our friendly staff is always happy to help!
Where Can I See All Of The Campground Rules?
- Please click HERE to view our full terms & conditions.
Do You Offer Any Discounts?
- Yes! We have a few:
- Military Discount: We are proud to offer a 10% discount to active and retired military members on stays of up to 6 nights. Please use the promo code SALUTE when making your reservation to apply the military discount and bring your military ID at the time of check-in.
- Weekly Discount: A Weekly Discount will automatically apply to any stay of 7 nights or more. No promo code required.
- Monthly Rates are currently unavailable at Wilderness Cove Campground.
- Additional Discount Programs & Special Promotions may apply. Be sure to follow the Outdoor Adventure Retreats facebook page to make sure you don’t miss any special promotions!
- Follow the Outdoor Adventure Retreats facebook page to make sure you don’t miss any special promotions!
I Have Another Question I Can’t Find The Answer To.
- Feel free to Contact Us and we’ll be happy to assist you!
